Attorney Matthew L. Wood
Attorney, Veterans Claims and Military Administrative Defense
A lifelong resident of the State of Maryland, and a graduate of Western Maryland College and the University of Columbia School of Law, Matt has developed a passion in his advocacy for Veterans and their families.
A Veteran himself, after law school Matt was eager for a new challenge in life and enlisted in the United States Army as an Artilleryman. He spent four years as a part of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, Texas – which included a 12-month combat deployment to Iraq. Rapidly promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Matt was able to adapt to several non-standard duty positions, which included: battery operations, unit-level intelligence collection and support, biometric identification, electronic warfare and counter-IED operations, unit-level chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense, and brigade liaison officer. Following the completion of his Active Duty service, Matt returned to Maryland and completed his service obligation as an Ammunition Team Chief with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
During early volunteer legal work to help conquer the problem of homeless Veterans on the streets of Columbia and throughout Maryland, Matt quickly realized that his loyalty to those who serve and have served extends well beyond those he knew personally. Renowned for his detail-oriented case analysis, writing ability, and encyclopedic retention of information, anyone who has ever worn a uniform and served even a single day in the military of the United States has found their advocate.
Matt primarily concentrates his efforts on Veterans Benefits appeals, to include disability compensation and pension at both the Regional Office level and before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. He also focuses on applications for correction of military records and discharge upgrades before all five of the uniformed services Review Board Agencies, including those applications concerning Medical and Physical Evaluation Boards.
Matt stays active in his local community, continues to provide pro bono legal services to homeless Veterans in Columbia and is an avid – if novice – participant in CrossFit™. He is married with two children.
- Veterans Affairs Accredited Representative
Bar Admissions:
- Maryland
Memberships:
- Plank Owner, Veteran’s Affairs and Military Law Section, Maryland State Bar Association
- Columbia City Bar Association
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association
- National Organization of Veterans' Advocates, Inc.
- Veterans' Claims Assistance Network, American Bar Association
The military makes applying to the ABCMR and the Veterans Administration deliberately complicated. You need an attorney who not only understands, but has mastery of the details and the ability to convey your story in writing. Matt is that lawyer. Call today.